Big-hearted partners raising funds and hope

Join our £2 million mission to save lives as we team up with British Heart Foundation to launch our charity partnership.

We celebrated the launch of our national charity partnership with British Heart Foundation (BHF) during February’s Heart Month.

Royal Mail colleagues chose BHF as our national charity partner until 2026. Now, our ambition is to raise £2 million to fund our Community Hearts Programme, which will deliver CPR training to one million young people, install community defibrillators and provide accessible heart health information for the nation.

We’re also on a mission to reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases among Royal Mail people with tailored support and information.

Ian’s plan to post new world record

Princess Royal Distribution Centre driver

Ian Stewart’s in the running to set a world record with a difference – as he pulls on a postie uniform to take part in April’s TCS London Marathon. At the end of 2022, Ian secured a race spot as Royal Mail’s representative for BHF, after his name was drawn in our internal ballot for a marathon place provided by our new charity partner. He’ll join over 700 BHF runners. But Ian’s set himself an even bigger challenge – he’s been given approval from Guinness World Records to attempt to break the world record for the fastest marathon dressed as a postal worker, which currently stands at 3:45:06.

For the record to count, Ian’s postal ‘uniform’ will need to include a postal service hat, coat, trousers, shirt and tie. And he must carry a bag weighing between 10-20lbs.

“I’ve always wanted to run a marathon,” says Ian. “I’ve completed a few half marathons but nothing this long before.

Learn lifesaving CPR in 15 minutes with RevivR

Many of us will witness a cardiac arrest in our lifetime. There are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK – with a survival rate of less than one in 10. Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival. But over a third of adults have never undertaken any form of CPR training, according to recent research.

In January, 60 Royal Mail wellbeing ambassadors used BHF’s new Group RevivR digital training tool to learn lifesaving CPR in just 15 minutes.

Would you know what to do?

Training Run

Ian Stewart is hoping to break the world record for fastest marathon dressed as a postal worker.

“I guess you could say it was on my bucket list and I’m grateful to BHF and Royal Mail for the opportunity to cross it off, while raising some money to help save and improve the lives of millions living with heart and circulatory diseases.”

In addition to his training, Ian has the challenge of raising £2,500, which Royal Mail will match fund, making the BHF donation worth £5,000.

“The Guinness World Records attempt was my way of trying to drum up as much interest as I could,” adds Ian. “I’m going to need all the help I can to raise £2,500.”

SUPPORT IAN Scan the QR code to make a donation.

Top tips to help you raise funds

Royal Mail people have had fundraising fun and raised millions of pounds for previous charity partners. We need your help to reach our £2 million target for BHF and here are some top tips to get you started. Pick your moment Avoid major events or holidays so more people can support and join in. Keep it simple Make sure your idea is easy to plan and deliver.

Get planning Think about the venue and any equipment, let us know if you need any merchandise.

Share your story Tell others what’s motivating you to support BHF. Make your money grow Set up a SponsorMe page and share the link.

Have fun

Make sure you enjoy yourself. Cameras at the ready Share your photos on Workplace and with BHF. Remember to thank everyone Let them know how much they helped raise.

GET INVOLVED To find out more scan the QR code, or email britishheartfoundation@ royalmail.com

FUNDRAISING

DRIVE Parcelforce’s Carar Tyer and her colleagues are behind our BHF campaign.